Pearls, corals, and ambers are examples of organic gemstones. These gemstones are soft and porous. Taking care of your gemstone jewelry will make it look brand-new for numerous years. Time and again, common sense should be used in taking care of your gemstone jewelry. Take your jewelry off when doing strenuous activities that may cause damage to your gemstone. Store your gemstone jewelry separately to avoid scratches from by harder gems. Put your jewelry on last when dressing. The chlorine in the water might damage your jewelry.
The value of these pieces of gemstone jewelry is actually high and might get higher as time goes by. So take good care of your gemstone jewelry.
Here are some guiding principles to take care of your gemstone jewelry
1. Alexandrite
Clean using soapy water or commercially available products. The best is alcohol. You can also resort to mechanical cleaners.
2. Aquamarine
Steer clear of chemical cleaners and heat. These shouldn't be cleaned frequently as well. Use a soapy solution.
3. Diamond
Chemical and mechanical cleaners are said to be safe, but they should be avoided when cleaning diamonds because the stone could be fractured. Rinse the diamond dry and well after using a soapy solution.
4. Emerald
Don't use mechanical and chemical cleaners. It will only dissolve oils during the cleaning process. Emeralds must be cleaned using soapy water. Have a jeweler re-oil the gem once every year.
5. Garnet
Just use soapy water.
6. Jade
Soapy water is the best, safest and easiest solution. You can also resort to mechanical cleaners, just steer clear of the chemical ones.
7. Opal
Wipe the stone after every use with a slightly damp pr dry cloth. Do not wash or scrub hard.
8. Peridot
Don't use chemical or mechanical cleaners. Just use soapy water.
9. Ruby
Use soapy water or the cleaning solvents that are commercially available. Mechanical cleaners are also safe but these should be avoided because it may affect the clarity of the ruby.
10. Sapphire
Use soapy water and cleaning solvents. Mechanical cleaners are also safe but when these are used, they may affect the sapphires clarity.
11. Spinel
Use soapy water and the commercial cleaning solvents. Mechanical cleaners are to be avoided because these affect the clarity of the spinel.
12. Tanzanite
Don't use chemical or mechanical cleaners. Just use soapy water.
13. Topaz
Same with tanzanite, don't use chemical or mechanical cleaners. Soapy water is fine.
Caring for Your Pearls
Pearls are quite durable. Proper care keeps them lustrous and even more beautiful. Here are some general tips in doing so.
1. Wipe the pearls using a damp warm cloth. This removes dirt and body oils which harm the original color of the pearl. Do this before you put them away.
2. Pearls must be stored away from other jewelry and objects. Keeping them close to such could scratch the surface. Wrap them in soft cloth or linen and put them in pouches. Don't store your pearls in packages that are air tight because they might lose their moisture.
3. Wash them using mild soap and wipe them dry with soft cloth. You can use also use acetone polish remover.
